Amazonite Jewelry

Some believe that the gemstone name amazonite was inspired by the Amazon River. However, amazonite has never been discovered in that region and the stone was used all across the globe long before the Amazon River's discovery. In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a nation of women warriors and this may be the true source for the gemstone's name.

Amazonite: a Blue-Green Beauty

Many ancient cultures prized amazonite for its beauty. Early Egyptians used the stone for jewelry and other decorative objects. Amazonite was also treasured by early civilizations in the Middle East and Central and South America.

Legend has it that amazonite was referred to as the stone of courage.

A truly versatile gemstone, amazonite can lend an earthy or elegant touch to jewelry designs.

Sometimes confused with jade, amazonite is most often cut into cabochons or beads and polished for a radiant shine. This pale, blue-green gemstone sometimes contains gray or white markings which add to the stone's natural allure. More about colored gemstones.

Depending on the stone selected, amazonite jewelry can have an earthy feel or a more ethereal, romantic tone. Ross-Simons' jewelry designers set amazonite in sterling silver as well as 14kt gold.

Used in jewelry by ancient civilizations, amazonite is still a popular choice today, lending an organic beauty to our necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Most of the pale amazonite used in jewelry designs comes from the United States, while deeper teal stones with gray and white inclusions hail from Russia. Amazonite can also be found in Brazil, Madagascar, Kenya and Zimbabwe.